Designing with Love
What does it take to design learning experiences that truly work? Join Jackie Pelegrin, award-winning instructional designer and Grand Canyon University (GCU) adjunct instructor, as she explores instructional design, e-learning, and AI integration. Expect actionable tips, real-world insights, and conversations with students, alumni, and industry leaders shaping the future of learning.
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Goodpods Designing with Love
Designing learning with love, purpose, and heart.
This show explores instructional design, e-learning, and how to incorporate AI technology into different aspects of the field.
Tune in for expert tips, real-world insights, and inspiring stories from students, alumni, and leaders in the field.
New to Designing with Love?
145
Aug. 26, 2026
Myth: Engagement Means Entertainment
Clicking, laughing, and “having fun” can look like engagement, but it can also be a mirage. In this episode, Jackie unpacks a stubborn instructional design myth that shows up in classrooms, eLearning, and workplace training: engagement means entertainment. If you’ve ever felt pressure to add games, humor, flashy visuals, music, competition, or constant interaction to keep attention, this conversation will help you slow down and design with more intention. Jackie breaks down why the myth sticks
147
Sept. 2, 2026
Myth: AI Will Replace Instructional Designers
AI can generate a course outline, a script, and a quiz in seconds, so it’s easy to wonder if instructional designers are next on the replacement list. We slow that fear down and look at what’s actually happening when AI enters the learning design workflow, and why “fast content” is not the same thing as effective instruction. We unpack the myth “AI will replace instructional designers” and name the reason it sticks: AI outputs are visible, while the real work of instructional design often isn’t
143
Aug. 19, 2026
Myth: Assessments Must Be Tests to Be Valid
A quiz can be quick, clean, and easy to score, but does it actually prove learning? We take on a stubborn myth in instructional design and education: that assessments must be tests to be valid. In this episode, Jackie explains why tests are so often treated as the gold standard, from the comfort of “objectivity” to the pressure for efficiency in schools, certification programs, and workplace training. Then we make the real shift: valid assessment is about the quality of evidence, not the format
141
Aug. 12, 2026
Myth: More Content Means More Learning
More slides do not equal more learning, and if you have ever felt pressured to “add just one more resource,” you already know how quickly a course can turn into a content dump. We take on a stubborn instructional design myth: the idea that piling on readings, videos, examples, and links automatically improves understanding. It sounds responsible, but it often creates confusion, weak retention, and low transfer because learners cannot see what matters most. We dig into why this belief sticks aro
Recent Episodes
148
Sept. 6, 2026
How to Design Digital Training That Changes Behavior With Erick Prospero
Shiny training is everywhere right now, and a lot of it still fails the moment learners go back to work. We sit down with e-Learning strategist and Ninja Tropic CEO Erick Prospero to get honest about what “engaging” digital learning actually means when outcomes are on the line. If your organization is adding video, animation, gamification, or AI tools and hoping that fixes attention and performance, this conversation gives you a sharper standard: engagement only counts when it drives a real purp
147
Sept. 2, 2026
Myth: AI Will Replace Instructional Designers
AI can generate a course outline, a script, and a quiz in seconds, so it’s easy to wonder if instructional designers are next on the replacement list. We slow that fear down and look at what’s actually happening when AI enters the learning design workflow, and why “fast content” is not the same thing as effective instruction. We unpack the myth “AI will replace instructional designers” and name the reason it sticks: AI outputs are visible, while the real work of instructional design often isn’t
146
Aug. 30, 2026
Game-Based Learning Can Make Security Training Stick With Lee Anderson
Your inbox is designed for speed. Attackers know it, and too many training programs pretend we’re all making perfect choices with unlimited time and zero stress. Jackie had a great conversation with Lee Anderson, a cybersecurity professional with 16+ years of experience reducing human risk, to unpack what really drives security decisions and how better learning design can change behavior. We get into the psychology behind social engineering, including how urgency, fear, and even excitement can
145
Aug. 26, 2026
Myth: Engagement Means Entertainment
Clicking, laughing, and “having fun” can look like engagement, but it can also be a mirage. In this episode, Jackie unpacks a stubborn instructional design myth that shows up in classrooms, eLearning, and workplace training: engagement means entertainment. If you’ve ever felt pressure to add games, humor, flashy visuals, music, competition, or constant interaction to keep attention, this conversation will help you slow down and design with more intention. Jackie breaks down why the myth sticks
Recent Blog Posts
Sept. 6, 2026
How to Create Engaging Digital Learning Experiences: Insights from Erick Prospero
In the world of digital learning, engagement is essential. But what separates a truly engaging experience from one that merely looks attractive? In this post, we delve into insights from e-learning strategist Eric Prospero, who emphasizes the import…
Sept. 2, 2026
AI Will Not Replace Instructional Designers: Rethinking Our Roles in Learning
In the ever-evolving landscape of education and instructional design, one myth stands out: the belief that artificial intelligence (AI) will replace instructional designers. While AI tools have demonstrated the ability to generate content, outlines,…
Aug. 30, 2026
How to Make Cybersecurity Training Engaging: 5 Strategies for Success With Lee Anderson
Learn how to create engaging cybersecurity training that sticks. From interactive games to practical scenarios, discover strategies that resonate with learners. Cybersecurity training often elicits thoughts of dry compliance and fear-based tactics.…
About the Host
Jackie Pelegrin
Award-Winning Instructional Designer, College Professor, Consultant, and Podcast Host
Jackie, an Arizona native, leverages decades of experience as an award-winning instructional designer within both higher education and the corporate world. She holds an MBA and a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology, both acquired through online learning. In addition to her full-time role, Jackie serves as an award-winning adjunct instructor, teaching online courses at Grand Canyon University. During her leisure time, she delights in reading books across a range of genres, enjoying movies and TV shows, playing games, listening to uplifting music, and spending quality time with her family and friends.